October 11, 2007
In This Edition: Higher Education and the Relationship Between the Military and Communities
Capitol Ideas is a periodic listing of story ideas and background information from new NCSL research.
Biennial Legislatures
Did you know back in 1941, only four states met annually? All other legislatures met biennially. Over the years, the trend has changed, and today only a few states continue on a biennial schedule. Find out which states they are and what pressures they face when meeting only once every other year. Listen to our podcast with Natalie O'Donnell, Senior Policy Specialist with NCSL's Legislative Management Program.
Higher Education
The three reports are actually companion briefs for NCSL's Blue Ribbon Report on Higher Education which was released in 2006. The companion briefs will highlight three areas of higher education that legislators need to consider: How the change in demographics are changing their state's population. What are graduation rates? How much is the cost of a higher education? Are people attending college at a younger or older age? The answers to these questions could directly affect future jobs in your state. Questions about higher education? If you are intersted in learning what states are doing, call Julie Bell in our Denver office at (303) 856-1351.
Military and Community Relationships
During the 2005 Base Realignment and Closures, 22 bases were closed and 33 were realigned nationwide. Other bases are now expected to double or triple in size. Some of those bases are located next to towns that are experiencing growing pains of their own. NCSL land use experts Larry Morandi and Christina Nelson released a study back in January of 2007 and now have a workbook discussing the role of the government and how to improve the relationship between the military and communities. Both sides can utilize it when discussing issues like who will pay for new roads, public education for the families moving in, and rights to land. Ask for a copy of the report at our NCSL bookstore. For interviews, call Larry Morandi at (303) 856-1472.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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